July recap for Wells: Farewells, investment and medieval discoveries

July brought changes to Wells city centre, with a long-established toy shop preparing to close and NatWest completing a £315,718 refurbishment of its branch.

There was progress on the Vicars' Close conservation project, a civic honour for former town crier Len Sweales and plans for a new youth council.

Here are some of the stories which shaped the month.

Business

Families shared their memories of Kids Stuff Wells Toy Shop after its owners announced that the Queen Street business would close as they retire.

The independent shop has served generations of local families, becoming known for its range of toys, Christmas window displays and personal service.

Elsewhere in the city centre, NatWest completed a £315,718 refurbishment of its Wells branch.

The bank said the investment included upgraded technology and improvements to the interior. NatWest has said it does not plan any further branch closures before 2029.

Heritage and planning

Scaffolding appeared in Vicars' Close as a major conservation project moved into its next stage.

The work has provided further clues about the construction and development of the close, described by Wells Cathedral as the oldest medieval street in Europe still being used for its original purpose.

Members of the public were given an opportunity to see the project at closer quarters through an archaeology event, with specialists explaining what had been discovered during the work.

Wells Little Theatre confirmed that the protected London Plane in its car park will be removed after Somerset Council granted consent.

The theatre said the decision followed years of investigations, maintenance and attempts to retain the tree while dealing with root damage affecting neighbouring paving and drainage.

Wells Tennis Club also submitted plans for a replacement pavilion intended to improve facilities and access for members and visitors.

A housing proposal in a village near Wells was stalled over concerns about the effect additional traffic could have on the A371.

Civic life

Former town crier Len Sweales was made a Freeman of the City in recognition of 25 years of civic service and charity work.

Mr Sweales and his wife Rosemary arrived in the Market Place by Wells Community Network trishaw, where they were met by councillors, friends, family and members of the public.

The honour marked the beginning of his new role as an ambassador for the city.

Wells City Council approved plans to establish a youth council and begin working with local schools when the new academic year starts.

The new body is intended to give young people a route into local decision-making and an opportunity to raise issues affecting their lives.

Crime and policing

Police stepped up their work against shoplifting in Wells, visiting businesses and encouraging retailers to report every incident.

Officers said regular reporting would help them identify patterns, build evidence and target repeat offenders.

A wider rural crime operation across Somerset resulted in an arrest and the recovery of suspected stolen property.

Health and community

The latest GP Patient Survey showed a mixed picture across the city's two practices.

Patients continued to give strong scores for the care they received and the helpfulness of reception and administrative teams. There were wider differences in how easy people found it to contact their surgery by telephone, online or through the NHS App.

A Wells church announced that it would provide free lunches during the summer holidays, helping families manage the additional cost of feeding children while schools are closed.

Figures showing 11,704 hours of sewage spills across the Wells and Mendip Hills constituency led MP Tessa Munt to demand changes to the water industry.

The figures covered 1,081 spills during the year.

What's on

Cathedral Green hosted the return of Meet the Sikhs, offering food, music and an opportunity to learn more about the Sikh faith and community.

Wells welcomed young musicians from around the world for WOW Fest, with performances held at Wells Cathedral, Cedars Hall and churches across the city.

Mayor of Wells Cllr Denise Denis opened the festival, which included orchestras, choirs and young performers from several countries.

The Godney Gathering returned to Garslade Farm during July, although organisers later announced that the festival will leave the site in 2027.

Looking ahead to August

Conservation work at Vicars' Close will remain one of the most visible projects in the city, while the removal of the Wells Little Theatre tree will mark the end of a familiar sight.

Free summer lunches and school holiday activities will continue through August, alongside events at the Bishop's Palace, Wells Cathedral and venues across the city.

Attention will also begin to turn towards the youth council's work with local schools when the new academic year begins.